How the 1911 Got Its Safeties - and Why Its Ancestors Had None

Published on March 3, 2020
Duration: 7:40

This video details the evolution of safety mechanisms on Colt semi-automatic pistols leading up to the iconic 1911. It highlights John Browning's early designs, like the Model 1900's 'sight safety,' and the progression through models with minimal safeties to the introduction of grip and thumb safeties driven by military trials and practical considerations for cavalry use.

Quick Summary

The evolution of the 1911's safeties began with John Browning's Model 1900 'sight safety.' Early models like the 1902 and 1905 relied on a half-cock notch and inertial firing pin. Military trials and cavalry needs drove the addition of grip safeties (Model 1907) and later thumb safeties (late 1910 trials) for enhanced safety and operational convenience.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 1911 Safeties
  2. 00:40The Model 1900 Sight Safety
  3. 01:23The Era of No Safeties
  4. 03:071903 Pocket Hammerless Safeties
  5. 03:44Military Trials and the Grip Safety
  6. 05:17Cavalry Requirements for Safeties
  7. 06:25Addition of the Thumb Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the first safety mechanism on John Browning's early Colt semi-automatic pistols?

John Browning's Model 1900 featured a unique 'sight safety.' This mechanism involved the rear sight pivoting down to physically lock the firing pin in place, preventing accidental discharge.

Why did early Colt pistols like the 1902 and 1905 have minimal external safeties?

Models like the 1902, 1903 Pocket Hammer, and 1905 primarily used a half-cock notch. They relied on an inertial firing pin design, which meant the firing pin couldn't strike the primer unless struck by the hammer, making hammer-down carry considered safe.

What led to the inclusion of a grip safety on Colt pistols?

The government requested an automatic safety during the 1907 military trials. Colt responded by adding a grip safety to the Model 1907, which also provided the benefit of allowing one-handed decocking.

When was the thumb safety added to the 1911's predecessors?

The thumb safety was a later addition, incorporated late in the 1910 trials. Its purpose was to allow soldiers to safely re-holster the pistol with one hand without needing to manually decock it.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →